First HT setup, need A/V receiver suggestions

[MN6]

I am building my first home theater and need some suggestions for a nice receiver. Speakers are Axiom W22 (fronts) W150 (center) and 4 QS8's making up the surrounds (7.1). SVS Ultra sub. Panny 50" Plasma and BluRay(PS3) or HD-DVD player.

I want a A/V receiver that is simple enough for my wife to operate, has HDMI support/switching, video upconversion, nice remote, and a HD radio receiver built-in. My budget for the receiver is around $1000-1500, less is always better of course.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Sounds like something such as the Onkyo TX-SR705 or the 805 would work well for you and be under your budget. As far as remotes go; buy a universal remote so when your wife wants to watch a movie, she hits the "movie" button, when she wants to listen to music, she hits the "music" button...ect...

By the way, nice selection of gear you have there.

 

[MN6]

Unfortunately the 705 and 805 do not have HD Radio. The TX-NR905 does, but that is a lot of receiver $$$. The more I look into this the more I am thinking I may have to throw HD radio to the side and go from there.

 

[m_vanmeter]

please do not base your a/v receiver choice on HD radio. It is too new and only showing up in the most expensive units. If it is "really" important, consider the Sangean HDT-1x separate HD AM/FM tuner and add it to any a/v receiver, even the old stereo clumker you have buried in the closet.

I suspect you could go down another notch with the Onkyo line and consider the SR605, it seems to have the features you need, and that would leave some bucks for the HDT-1x.

 

[yettitheman]

Have you looked here yet?
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides

Always a good place to start out at least